ZOU SHIMING IN ROUSING COMEBACK, WINS WBO INTERNATIONAL FLYWEIGHT TITLE
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 31 Jan 2016
China?s heralded two-time Olympic and three-time world gold medalist Zou Shiming made a rousing comeback after his loss to Thailand?s Amnat Ruenroeng in an IBF world title fight by a twelve round unanimous decision on March 7, 2015 in Macau, with an 8th round TKO of previously undefeated Brazilian Natan Santana Coutinho to recapture the WBO International flyweight title at the Oriental Sports Center in the bustling City of Shanghai, China.
The 34 year old Zou Shiming hurt Santana with a flurry of punches in the fifth round but couldn?t put him away although he continued to dominate the Brazilian with excellent combinations and accurate punching that had the predominantly Chinese crowd calling out his name and cheering wildly.
The popular Chinese fighter caught Santana against the ropes in the eighth round as he kept up the pressure and after a series of unanswered punches, Thai referee Sawaeng Thaweekoon called a halt at 2:17 of the round.
It was the 21 year old Santana?s first setback which dropped him to 12-1 with 10 knockouts while the 34 year old Zou Shiming whose career has been fashioned by Top Rank?s Bob Arum improved to 7-1 with 2 knockouts.
AFP News quoted Arum who said ?"Zou's performance in this fight was outstanding. I really want to test Zou again with another top contender in the Spring. If he passes that, we will have him fight for a world championship by the end of the year."
Zou himself in a post fight interview remarked "The homecoming was great. I really fed off the energy of the crowd." He noted. "I've taken ten months off to rest, spend time with my family and even found a little reality TV fame, but my heart never left the ring.Today I fought patiently and got into a rhythm. (Coutinho) is young and has a powerful right hand, but once I got into a rhythm I was able to control the fight."
For his part Santana said "I'm so happy with the fight," Coutinho. Zou is a great guy, although he did break my face. But I'm just 20 years old and Zou has mastered some things I'm still learning. But I'll be back and I want to thank the Chinese people for having me."
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